Jamie's First Year

Wow! I can't believe nearly a whole year has passed since my son was born. Well I can in some ways, but not in others. Jamie, was born on his due date on 1^st September 2012, almost arriving on the 31^st August (His granddads birthday). And as usual, I labored over a period of weeks. Turns out he was at an angle so couldn't work his way down enough to get into the active stage. That and the fact my water sac was as tough as chains, even the midwife had trouble rupturing them to start labor off.

I think the funniest bit about his labor was me trying to write about it in between taking puffs of gas and air. I read back on those notes every once in a while a crack up. Here is a little taster. but please remember I was on gas and air...

Labor intense at 4:20

Gas and air focusing everything out 4:29 :-(

Ouch

This really hurts oh my gosh I sucking ONG gas and and it's is making king me me go realy funny in the head!

I am literally typing out or writing as I labour in Jamie's birth! I must be f***ing mad????

It is so weird that I am consciously writing thing this but my fingers are doing it well after I have written about it.

Well I just fell off the birthing ball!!!

I'll leave it there before I completely embarrass myself :-)

Here is the very first picture we have of him when he was born

So Jamie was born on 1st September 2012 at 19:17 weighing 7lb 3oz. and we were able to go home that night to our other two children.

I took a break from writing on a daily basis as I wanted to focus on my family. I had no idea it would be so long. In that year I have watched my new born baby grow into a toddler, and while part of my heart aches at the loss of the baby (he is the last one), I am lookingforward to the next milestones.

He started taking steps some months ago and is now confidently walking around my house, playing with the dogs bowl (trying to eat her food), banging on the toilet seat, emptying out my kitchen cupboards and driving me insane with his constant want to be in my arms when I am cooking. He says  "cook" over and over again and "See it" because he has an obsession with cooking and preparing food. Well I guess he wasn't named Jamie by mistake :-)

I have taken so many pictures (he is a beautiful boy), so that I can remember as much as possible. I will leave you with a few of my favorite.

 

Daddy's first cuddle

Joe checking out his bay brother

 Mommy and Daddy having an ogle

 Grandads first cuddle

 

Nanny's first cuddle

 Outfit courtesy of Uncle Derick

Jamie and his cousin Jessica

His favorite play mat

 The baby massage doll Jamie took a shine too

 Wearing daddy's cap

First ice-cream cone

  

A much needed bath after playing with cornflour for the first time

Mmm home made profiteroles

Yeay bark chip lol

Think he is a sleep? lol

Jamie walking outside with his walker toy

Happy birthday Mr Monkey Moo. May all your life be filled with love and laughter xxxx

Mated Forever by Michaela Rhua

Hello again, so nice of you to drop by. It has been a while since our last meet, but as my son is getting older and is finally enjoying playing/exploring with new objects, I have found the odd five minutes to get in touch with my writer friends again. Today I have a special treat for you. Michaela Rhua has a new release out, Mated Forever and I have all the exquisite details.  

For those of you who have yet to be introduced to Michaela, let me tell you a little about her.

Michaela Rhua always dreamed of writing but this never happened until she met the lovely group of ladies known as UCW. Their passion for writing and encouragement inspired her to see if she could do it too. Now she loves writing!

She has teenage children and a husband, who also keeps her busy. However, it is whilst travelling into work that she has the time to create her characters and imagine other places in which they exist as her world skims by the window. Conversations overhears often lead to the birth of new ideas that she scribbles down in her trusty notebook.

Michaela is a muli-published author with Breathless Press, Evernight Publishing and a self-published anthology with authors from The Nuthouse Scribblers.

Feel Free to Stalk here:

Website

Blog

Twitter

Pinterest

Facebook

And now for her new release, Mated Forever. Isn't that such a catchy title? Just look at the stunning cover!

So if you like the type of heroin that can kick ass and stand up for herself, this will be right up your street. This is what Michaela has to say about her heroin:

Girl To The Rescue.

I love a girl who can kick ass and stand up for herself. It has probably got to do something to do with trying hard to make my own decisions and step out from everyone's expectations.

A sassy heroine who is independent, courageous and sexy grabs my attention every time. Lou is no different – she is the one who rushes to the rescue, not once but twice. But then when you're a shifter who catches an irresistible scent in the air on the night of the full moon, you have to go and find out where it leads. In Lou's case it leads to Jorie and the chemistry between these two lead them into bed!

Oh dear me…things don't go well after that and Jorie needs rescuing again.

I will say nothing more but I'll leave you with the blurb and a quick taste!

Mated Forever by Michaela Rhua

The full moon is always a time for danger and mating. This month it brings the scent of Louisa's mate. Jorie is on the run and in grave danger. Being rescued by Louisa brings safety and a new temptation. As the girls act on their feelings, and passion overtakes them, they are unaware of the danger surrounding them both. When Jorie is kidnapped, it's a race against time. Will Louisa be able to save her mate, or will the past and all its secrets destroy them before they even have a chance at forever?

Excerpt

"I am so sorry to draw you into all this Lou, I … I didn't mean for it to get this far." Jorie put down the hot mug on the table next to the sofa.

"It's okay. I asked you to stay, you didn't force this on me, so chill," Lou said. "Anyway, I'm going to take a shower."

Lou got up from the sofa and disappeared into the bedroom.

Damn it! Jorie kicked herself mentally. Why did I not just do what I wanted to, just touch her. She knew exactly how she felt about Lou. She wanted her as a lover and mate. Things were so complicated now. Sleeping with Malachi had been a colossal error. Every time she looked into Lou’s beautiful brown eyes something melted inside.

The noise of the shower interrupted her thoughts. Jorie fisted her hands and gritted her teeth. Then, with decisive steps, she walked through the bedroom to the bathroom. The door was ajar, almost inviting her in. Once inside, the hot steam fogged her vision. Her eyes adjusted quickly, and she made out water cascading over golden brown skin. Rivulets journeyed their way down the perfect body, which was all curves. Jorie wanted to stroke Lou’s round ass, and kiss it all over. She stretched out her hands. Her skin tightened, and heat radiated throughout her body. She knew exactly what was happening. Her wolf begged to be let out to play with her mate.

Breathing deeply, Jorie stepped forward. The steam cleared at little more and Lou turned around. Jorie stared at Lou's round breasts topped off with dark chocolate nipples, and licked her lips. Lou glanced up. Her eyes deepened then a ring of copper formed around her pupils. Lou continued to soap her body. Jorie watched Lou's hand circle down to her bare pussy with the sponge. Her own pussy ached with need. Lou dropped the sponge and leaned her body into the water, washing the suds off her skin. Jorie wanted to touch her so badly.

Lou turned off the water, and stepped out of the shower. Jorie took a deep breath, trying to get her wolf under control. She wanted Lou in human form, to delight in her body. In her wolf form it would be fucking. Her animal instincts would take over like it had with Malachi. There had been little tenderness. When he’d realized she was willing, it became all about taking her quickly. The act had been painful and cold. Where she’d wanted to take it slow, this would be about making love. She wanted to experience love, an all-consuming love. Tender and soft, not hard and fast.

"You're so beautiful, Lou. I want you so much. I've never felt this way before," Jorie whispered.

"I want you, too, Jorie. Only if you’re sure?" Lou gave her a tentative smile.

"Yes, so sure, like never before," Jorie said.

Jorie unbuttoned her shirt. Lou came closer still, helping Jorie to release her arms. Warm hands massaged her breasts. Jorie untwisted Lou's hair and let those dark curls loose. They were silky smooth, and Jorie massaged Lou's head then cupped her face.

Their lips met. Heat surged through Jorie, the air hot and heavy. Lou pushed her toward the bedroom. Jorie delved deeply into Lou's mouth with her tongue, tasting and licking. Her beast growled with delight. This was good, this was right.

"You taste so good, Lou," she said.

Lou pushed her onto the bed then stood over her. A flicker of hesitation registered in her eyes. Jorie undid her jeans, ridding herself of any clothing to reassure Lou this was what she wanted. Words were irrelevant. Lou seemed like watching her strip because intensity deepened her gaze. Once bare, Jorie sat up and held out her hand. Nothing happened. Lou looked at the offered hand. Afraid Lou would back away, Jorie slowly opened her legs. She wasn’t fully bare as Lou, but she hoped Lou would understand.

"I can't wait, Jorie, I have to taste you." Lou licked her lips.

She watched Lou lower her head and inhale the scent of her arousal. Lou growled then pounced on her.

"Get ready, honey." Lou winked.

Now that's got your attention hu? Lucky for you I have all the links you need to get your hands on your own copy.

Mated Forever Buy Links

http://www.evernightpublishing.com/mated-forever-by-michaela-rhua/

http://www.amazon.com/Mated-Forever-ebook/dp/B00EPRSQ28/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1377248449&sr=8-2&keywords=mated+forever

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Mated-Forever-ebook/dp/B00EPRSQ28/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1377248430&sr=8-2&keywords=mated+forever

https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-matedforever-1269899-182.html

http://www.bookstrand.com/mated-forever-ff



Well that's it from me, I hope you enjoyed meeting Michaela Rhua, and I hope you enjoy her book even more.

Take care until next time.

J.P Stevens

xXx

A Ball to Remember

Welcome back, and thanks for taking the time to stop by. 

This week I am joined by a very good friend of mine, Doris O’Connor, Author of A Ball To Remember in the current anthology by The Nut House Scribblers.

J.P. – Hi Doris, it’s great to have to you today. *Passes Doris a cup of Coffee.*

D.O’Connor. –*grabs coffee with both hands and inhales*

Hmm, yum, you do make the best coffee J

J.P. – It’s been a while but I remember just how you like it J

I want to talk a little bit about the current FREE read anthology With Love From Val and Tyne. In particular, Evie.  I love her!  She seems like such a down to earth girl who works hard to live and really deserves her dream come true.  How much fun did you have writing her story?

D.O’Connor – Oh I love Evie too. She was great fun to write. Evie is tough but vulnerable at the same time, and she's lived in her cousin's shadow all her life. It doesn't particularly bother her, but it rankles deep down inside. I think we all have a member of our family that goes on our wick for whatever reason, so channelling those feelings into Evie, was great fun. She is a lovely girl, and like you say, she so deserves her dream to come true.

J.P. – She is very easy to relate to and I sooooo know what you mean about some people rubbing you the wrong way lol.

Now, let’s not forget about Ethan.  Those, amber eyes and mischievous smile. I love the way his boy ish pranks still make up his personality in adulthood. Of the two characters, which one did you enjoy writing about the most, and why?

D.O’Connor – Hmm, yummy Ethan. Again he was great fun. He came to me with his entire backstory in my head, and he's led an interesting life I tell you. I couldn't explore all that in the short free read, but I may yet write the full Evie and Ethan story. They sure deserve to have their entire story told. To answer your question, I couldn't tell you who I enjoyed more. They were both instant strong voices in my head, and I just love when that happens because the story practically writes itself.

J.P. – An Evie and Ethan story J I hope they do find voices soon so you can write about them.

If you’re interested in reading the short stories With Love From Val and Tyne, It’s still available for FREE to download at:

http://www.breathlesspress.com/index.php?main_page=product_free_shipping_info&cPath=19&products_id=330

I know you are a very busy lady.  What else have you been up to?

D.O’Connor – Ah you know me, always a hero sitting on my shoulder, lol. I just had a Paranormal Christmas Story accepted by Breathless Press that I am really quite excited about. I'm waiting to sign the contract before I share more news than that, but I just realised my hero in that story is called Ethan too, lol.

And the current hero sitting on my shoulder was trying to convince me that his name is Ethan, but after some negotiation ( I know I sound like a loon, here, but my characters are very real to me) I believe he has settled for Nathaniel—for now. This may yet change as this is very much a WIP.

I have three upcoming releases all in October in an ode to Halloween.

-Freaky Flashes which is an Anthology of 13 Sexy Halloween Quickies with Breathless Press

My contribution is Destiny: Can Arabella reach sanctuary, or will her dreams become reality?

 

-Just Vamps, an Anthology with Evernight Publishing

 

My story is Living The Dream: 

Everyone knows that happy ever afters only happen in fairy tales. Real life is cruel and painful. Bianca may wish for the two hunks in the shadows to notice her, but that doesn't mean it's going to happen—until Halloween that is.

When Sister Maria insists that Bernhard and Archie escort Bianca home, the events that follow can only have been a dream. The hottest sex she's ever had cannot account for the changes Bianca sees in the mirror. Vampires aren’t real, right?

-The Eclipse Of The Blood Moon, another Anthology with Evernight Publishing

 

Blurb: When the blood moon coincides with Halloween, the forces of darkness unite to wreak their evil spells. Will this All Hallows Eve bring joy or sorrow? Curses abound and destiny calls, as vampire meets human, devils atone to the moon, an angel takes human form to protect the gypsy girl he loves, shifters hunt their mate on land protected by a powerful white witch, and a black widow hunts her prey in human form.

Is love enough to break the cycle? Or is all lost under the orange glow of the menacing sphere in the sky?

My Current release is a bit of a departure for me—it's a f/f short story in Evernight's Lover Unexpected Anthology: Sappho Edition

 

My Story is called The Dating Game:

 Tirath and Rosie have been friends from kneehigh, so when Tirath's world crumbles around her, there is only one place she can go - into Rosie's comforting arms.

When comfort turns to passion, does it spell the end of their friendship?

Or is it the beginning of something quite beautiful?

BUYLINKS: http://www.evernightpublishing.com/lover-unexpected-sappho-edition/

http://www.amazon.com/Lover-Unexpected-Sappho-Edition-ebook/dp/B008VJMTII/ref=sr_1_19?ie=UTF8&qid=1344609653&sr=8-19&keywords=doris+o%27connor

You can see all my available books here: http://www.dorisoconnor.com/my-books.html

I love to hear from readers, so find me on the web here:

Website  Blog Twitter Facebook

 

J.P. Wow, you have been busy! I wish you every success with the new realises Doris.  It’s been lovely catching up with you.

D.O’Conner - Thanks so much for having me J.P. J

J.P.  – That’s all we have time for this today guy’s. But Join me next week when I catch up with Cherie Nicholls.

Until then, take care.

J.P. Stevens

xXx

Arya Grey – The Masquerade

Hello again, and thanks for stopping by.  Today I am joined by one of my writer buddies, Arya Grey, Author of The Masquerade featured as the first story in the Anthology With Love From Val and Tyne.

J.P. – Hi Arya, It’s so good to catch up.  How are you?

A.G. – Hiya! I'm doing just fine, thank you J Busy, busy, busy!

J.P. – That’s great to hear. What have you been up to?

A.G. – Well, I've been hard at work on a few different stories. I've just had a Halloween short accepted as part of an Anthology with Evernight Press. You might recognise some of the authors involved ;) "The Eclipse of the Blood Moon" will be out soon.

There is also the wonderful news of Val & Tyne! As a Birthday free-read for Breathless Press' Birthday it's a fantastic way to bring readers in. The Nuthouse Scribblers are a tight knit group so I think everyone will enjoy our combined effort. Or at least, we hope so!

I am notoriously bad at blogging, but you can find me here: www.aryagrey.blogspot.com and find updates on new work over at Twitter (@AryaGrey) and Facebook.

J.P. – Wow, you have been busy!  I’m looking forward to reading The Eclipse of the Blood Moon. So I will certainly keep checking your Facebook and twitter account for more details.  Now, About The Masquerade. A fictional story about having your wildest fantasies come true.  How much fun was that to write?

A.G. – Too much fun! Val & Tyne started as an experiment for our readers over at The Nuthouse Scribblers, a way to introduce ourselves and give back on that special holiday. The Masquerade literally wrote itself (as clichéd as that sounds). The words flew across the page. I almost didn't believe I had written it after reading back to myself.

J.P. – Do I dare ask where the inspiration came from?

A.G. – Dare…dare! J

I knew my masked strangers had to be tall, dark and daring. This was about the ultimate fantasy, after all! So, of course, only two of the best inspirations came to mind. And well, the rest came naturally.

J.P. – Do you have a favourite bit?

A.G. – When Lola arrives at the manor and the blond stranger is waiting for her. The solid black mask and his cool demeanour; sexy and completely mysterious, yet you can sense his personality underneath. Only to be swept in by the opposite but equally lustful, dark, warm, predatory stranger.

J.P. – Tough decision! But I know what happens. lol 

If that has got you curious, then you can read Lola’s story for Free.  Yep, it’s still free to download @

http://www.breathlesspress.com/index.php?main_page=product_free_shipping_info&cPath=19&products_id=330

Arya, it's been great to catch up with you again.  Please come back and join us again soon.

A.G. - Thanks for having me, JP! Congrats on your first publication. We are so glad to have you.

J.P. - *Reaches for a tissue to wipe her leaking eye.* Thank you so much for making me feel so welcome and loved. :-) Well That’s all we have time for this week.  Join me again next Sunday, unless of course I’m blessed with the birth of my little miracle, where I will be joined by Doris O’Connor to discuss her story in the anthology, A Ball to Remember.

Until next time, take care.

J.P. Stevens.

xXx

Interview with Val and Tyne

Hello everyone thanks for taking the time to pop by.  Over the coming weeks I will be interviewing the Authors of the anthology With Love From Val And Tyne.  Where best to start this series of interviews than with the very men who made the fantasies of some very lucky ladies come true.  So please give a warm welcome to Val and Tyne.

J.P. - Hello guy’s, it’s lovely to meet you. How are you both?

V - Oh we're very happy.

T - And lucky.

V - Yeah, and lucky we have so much going on in our lives at the moment. 

T - To see all the successes we had over…well I won't go into too many details.

V - *laughing* as you might have guessed we talk too much.

T- Yeah, sorry *mimes a zip over his lips*

J.P. - I had no idea how infectious you guys are. *laughing* Now you guys are not your average kind of men, are you?  You have the ability to make fantasies come true?  Can you tell me about these magical powers?

V- We can't.

T- No sorry. If we talk about them we lose them.

V- All we can say, is we have the powers to make wishes come true, if we think they're er worthy?"

T - That sums it up perfectly.

J.P. - So what made you want to share this with the ladies you chose?

T - Each of them deserved a something extra in their lives. We were able to give them that.

V- It gave us so much to be able to do that.  

J.P. - *Goes weak in the knees at their response*. It’s so good to know there are still people out there willing to make other people’s dreams and fantasies come true. Without giving too much away, you two have your own little story in the book. Can you tell us a little about that?

T - Well let's just say, what goes around comes around.

J.P. - I can’t wait to find out! Though I have a feeling it will be special. Where do you both go from here, I mean, what does the future hold for you both?

 V - More of everything? We have a rather nice bale of silk, which would look great for a Christmas party.

T - Oh, yes it would. Apart from that, there's so many places I want to visit.

V- Shh… you have a birthday soon. Let me keep some secrets.

J.P. –I'm having to try not to laugh, because Tyne is now threatening to tickle Val to find out what he means. Okay, *claps hands* so you mean to say, watch this space because you could be making more dreams come true?

 T- Ha, ha, that would be telling. What do you want out of your dreams?

V- I know what I wa… sorry lips sealed. Let's say a cautious maybe.

T- Yes that sounds about right.

J.P. - Well I’ll make sure I keep my eyes open for any more dream making in the future. Val, Tyne, thank you so much for popping by today, it has been an absolute pleasure having you both here.  I wish you both lots of happiness for the future.

V - It was our pleasure.

T - By the way we have a lovely lilac linen that would suit you.

J.P. - *Nervously laughing, and then stop dead when I see the serious look in their eyes.* As tempted as I am in some ways, I’m afraid I’d be too much of a chicken to see it through.  Your talent would be wasted on me. Probably best to save it for someone who would make the most of such an opportunity.

V -You never know until you try.

T- Only you…and us know what's in your mind now. But don't worry, we won't tell.

J.P. - *Blushing and squirming in my seat as Val and Tyne pass me a wrapped package with a note on the top saying Dare you! *

The Anthology, With Love From Val and Tyne, was collectively written by The Nut House Scribblers.  The book is absolutely FREE and is available to download now at:

http://www.breathlesspress.com/index.php?main_page=product_free_shipping_info&products_id=330

You can find out more about The Nut House Scribblers on their blog page:

http://thenuthousescribblers.blogspot.co.uk/

As for Val and Tyne, you can find out more about The Val and Tyne Experiment during my interview with Raven McAllan in a few weeks’ time.

That’s all for this week.  Join me next week with Arya Grey when we go behind the scene of The Masquerade.

Until then, take care

J.P.Stevens

xXx

My first Publication

As a now published Author, you would think I have a way with words and can easily describe how I feel right now… Nope! Cloud nine doesn’t even come close!

To be honest I never really believed this day would ever come.  I love writing and as a writer I also love reading and a book has to grab me.  If it doesn’t, well you don’t waste your time do you?  You just delete the file from your kindle and move on to the next.  Or you read the blurb on the back of a book, if it fails to entice you, you put it back on the shelf. Reading a book is such a personal thing that the fear of rejection can be a little overwhelming as a writer.

Those of you who have been reading my blog will have seen my latest inspiration ‘On Writing’ by Steven King.  It was within this fantastic book that the courage to write really took hold of me.  I learnt that I cannot write for everyone, only myself.  People may not like what you write.  Hell, there are things that I have written, that my characters insist on, that I am not too pleased with.  I don’t have a say.  The more I try to control where they story goes, the less the characters talk.  The less they talk… Well the manuscript ends.

So taking in the advice I wrote down what the characters in my head were telling me to and here we are.  My first publication J

Of course I cannot take all the credit.  The book is an anthology with a list of other fantastic authors.  Each story brings its own tale about Valentines and the magic that can be found with love. Take a look at the cover:

It is silly that I don’t seem to tire of seeing my name written on the front cover, but hey I can get like that at times. J

You can download this book for FREE at: http://www.breathlesspress.com/index.php?main_page=product_free_shipping_info&products_id=330&zenid=o8s0d7s90ffua6pgr0834l6312

I hope you enjoy reading it as much as I did writing it.

Take care until next time

J.P. Stevens

xXx